And so, it begins. The dog days of Summer are here and planning your days or nights on the water will be important. July temperatures start off in the 80’s and will often hit the upper 90’s. It’ll be a hot few months with high humidity, rainstorms, and lots of sun. Starting early in the morning before the sun comes up is usually a good thing for both the fish and the fisherman. Fishing’s good this time of the year especially for snook, tarpon, permit, and redfish.
Tides and moving water will be an important piece of the puzzle. In general, good water movement between high and low tides is the best for fishing. Strong morning or evening tides will be the best bets now through September. With the real heat starting around lunch time here in Fort Myers, slow tides or slack tides from noon till the afternoon rains begin, will make for tough fishing. Likewise, after we have the afternoon or evening storms the water cools down a bit, gets a bit more oxygen and fishing in general will be better.
Snook will be cruising the beaches and passes this month as they will be spawning. This month and the next three, we will see schools of tarpon, jacks, snook, pompano, and hopefully trout. There’s a good chance even for those fishing on foot will run across these species. Look for these fish in cuts with good moving water, or in the beach troughs. Fishing with live baits, such as threadfins, Spanish sardines, menhaden, or pilchards would be my suggestion. Those that like the artificial game, just match the hatch and you’ll be fine on spin or fly.
During these hot water months proper catch and release techniques will be important. Keeping your catch in the water before a quick picture is taken, makes a difference. Reviving your catch well before releasing, will be crucial to the fish’s survival. Remember the waters is hot, has less oxygen, and big fish can get warn out, especially on light tackle.
Tight lines Capt. Greg Stamper
Snookstampcharters.com
239-313-1764 Lee county